Reviving a Species: The Story of the Northern White Rhino

In the Kenyan savannah, Nájin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos, graze peacefully. Their species faces functional extinction, unable to reproduce without a male. Yet, hope remains through the innovative science of artificial reproduction.

A Glimmer of Hope for a Dying Species

The Plight of the Northern White Rhino

About five decades ago, rampant poaching for rhino horns decimated the northern white rhino population. Civil wars further exacerbated their decline. Conservationists initiated captive breeding programs in the 1970s, preserving semen from males. Despite these efforts, only four rhinos were born, with Nájin and Fatu being the last survivors.

The Last Two

By 2014, it was discovered that neither Nájin nor Fatu could bear offspring. Nájin's weak hind legs posed risks during pregnancy, while Fatu had a degenerated uterine lining. The death of Sudan, the last male, in 2018, intensified the crisis. However, artificial reproduction emerged as a beacon of hope.

The Science of Revival

Artificial Reproduction: A Complex Endeavor

With no living males and infertile females, artificial reproduction is intricate and fraught with challenges. Scientists planned to use stored semen and extract eggs—a delicate procedure requiring sedation. Creating a viable embryo in the lab was an unprecedented task. The final step involved a surrogate mother from another rhino species.

The Role of the Southern White Rhino

The southern white rhino, a close relative, became crucial. These species diverged about a million years ago, inhabiting different regions with slight physical variations. Fortunately, female southern white rhinos needing reproductive treatment allowed researchers to collect eggs. Experts at IZW Berlin began collecting eggs from southern white rhinos at Dvůr Králové Zoo in October 2015, sending them to Avantea in Italy.

Embryo Creation

At Avantea, scientists refined a technique to create viable embryos. By August 22, 2019, they extracted eggs from Nájin and Fatu, transporting them to Italy. Three days later, the eggs were fertilized with northern white rhino sperm. After a week, two embryos reached the stage for freezing and preservation. Another collection in December 2019 yielded one more embryo. The plan, as of early 2020, was to collect eggs three times a year, contingent on the rhinos' health.

The Search for a Surrogate

Researchers are actively seeking suitable southern white rhino surrogates, preferably those with prior successful pregnancies. This surrogacy plan involves some uncertainty, as interbreeding between the two species occurred in the past. Given that their pregnancies are of the same duration, there is optimism that a southern white rhino can carry a northern white rhino to term. However, transferring an embryo to a rhino is challenging due to the cervix's shape.

The Future of the Northern White Rhino

The ultimate goal is to establish a breeding population of northern white rhinos in their native habitat. Studies suggest sufficient genetic diversity exists to recreate a population similar to that of a century ago.

Ethical Considerations

As more species face endangerment, critical questions arise: Do we have a responsibility to revive species driven to the brink by human actions? Are there limits to the resources we should allocate to saving endangered animals?

The revival of the northern white rhino is more than a scientific endeavor; it's a reflection on our role in preserving biodiversity and addressing the consequences of our actions.